Why is Ultimate Fighting getting bigger than boxing?

The Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts organization (UFC) prides itself on promoting the world's best fighters irrespective of their style of combat. People have certainly taken notice as the cage-fighting sport originally branded as "no-holds-barred" has become the second most popular live event through Pay-Per-View (WWE wrestling is first) and consistently sells out large arenas nationwide.

UFC was purchased by Station Casinos executives Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta and boxing promoter Dana White for $2 million in 2001. Stricter rules, a weight system and sanctioning by the Nevada Athletic Commission took the sport from banishment in several states to mainstream gyms across America.

Sun stories that help answer this question:

Journey to the center of the ring

Q+A: Lorenzo Fertitta & Dana White

Hand-to-hand combat gets a grip on fans

— Web content editor Andy Samuelson, multimedia technician Billy Steffens, and intern Rob Ponte compiled this report.